Ohio Tornadoes Destroy Homes and Businesses

A severe storm system tore through central Ohio, leaving homes and businesses destroyed. The National Weather Service describes the storm as “life-threatening” and “extremely dangerous.” The tornadoes touched down about thirty minutes apart and damaged at least a half dozen communities in Ohio and eastern Indiana. In addition to destroying homes and businesses, the storm damaged or destroyed power lines, trees and other structures. Authorities are still trying to assess the extent of the damage and several people were hurt in the region.

A supercell produced a strong tornado near the city of Riverside, Ohio. It touched down south of the United States Air Force Museum and reached EF2-strength. The tornado tore through a military housing development, including the Prairies at Wright Field and Properties at Wright Field. Numerous homes suffered extensive damage, with roofs blown off. In addition, numerous windows and garage doors were blown out.

The National Weather Service has posted a map of locations where tornadoes may hit. The storms may have hit near the Ohio-Indiana border. At least one spot near Dayton was affected by two circulation systems capable of producing tornadoes. Residents affected by the storms have received several emergency bulletins and alerts from the NWS. One tornado was fatally struck by the storms.

More than fourty people have been taken to the hospital, including two in intensive care. The storm also knocked out the city’s water system. A boil water advisory is in place for sixty-three thousand households. Many schools are closed today. The tornadoes tore off the roof of a multipurpose building that seats about 5,500 people. Trotwood, a suburb near Dayton, was hit by a tornado that toppled a 5-story structure.

While most residents have been able to restore power, many are still without water and basic services. According to the utility company in Dayton (Montgomery County), it will take several days for most customers to be restored. The National Weather Service is still conducting damage surveys. In addition to the city’s water supply, officials announced a boil-water advisory for residents and businesses. Donald Trump has requested a national disaster declaration for the state.

The West Milton tornado, an EF3 tornado, made landfall near West Milton on May 25th. This tornado moved east along Ohio 55, destroying dozens of trees and buildings near Monroe-Concord Road. It also caused damage to a barn on County Road 25A. The tornado was about half a mile wide and lasted about 16 minutes. After the tornado, there were no reports of injuries or fatalities.

The storm system impacted two counties in southern Ohio, including Montgomery County. The tornado began near Phillipsburg, Ohio, and continued into two subdivisions. It destroyed farm equipment and destroyed several homes. It also threw a grain bin into the field near North Diamond Mill Road. The storm ended around 10:24 p.m. EF0 tornadoes measured at least 50 yards in width and averaged eighty miles per hour.